Chyna Baby & Duke

I'd like to meet:

Other Pets and the Humans Who Love Us!

DON'T SHOP ADOPT! Lot's of cuties can be found here.
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Animal Breed Zip Code

Movies:

To Quote:
Francis of Assisi
“Not to hurt our humble brethren is our first duty to them, but to stop there is not enough. We have a higher mission—to be of service to them wherever they require it.”
Ghandi
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated…I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to protection by people from the cruelty of human kind”
Prophet Mohammed
“A good deed done to an animal is as meritorious as a good deed done to a human being, while an act of cruelty to an animal is a bad as an act of cruelty to a human being.”
Abraham Lincoln
“I care not much for a man's religion whose dog and cat are not the better for it.”
Native American Proverb
“Every animal knows more than you do.”
Thomas A. Edison
“Non-violence leads to the highest ethics, which is the goal of all evolution. Until we stop harming all other living beings, we are still savages.”—
Francis of Assisi
“If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men.”
Plato
"A dog has the soul of a philosopher."
Nan Sea Love
“Have you ever felt like you where invisible? No matter how you cried out your loneliness and pain no one cared, you where not even important enough to be noticed, except perhaps as 'that damn dog is barking next door again.'”
George Eliot
"Animals are such agreeable friends, they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms."
George Bernard Shaw
"The worst sin toward our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them; that's the essence of humanity." -
Ralph Waldo Emerson
"You cannot do a kindness too soon, because you never know how soon it will be too late."
Jones of Nayland
"Cruelty to dumb animals is one of the distinguishing vices of the lowest and basest of the people - wherever it is found, it is a certain mark of ignorance and meanness."
Albert Einstein
“Our task must be to free ourselves— by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty.”
Abraham Lincoln
“I am in favor of animal rights as well as human rights. That is the way of a whole human being.”
Emile Zola
“The fate of animals is of greater importance to me than the fear of appearing ridiculous.”
Bertrand Russel
“Moral progress has consisted in the main of protest against cruel customs, and of attempts to enlarge human sympathy.”
Mark Twain
“Heaven goes by favour. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in…man is the only creature that inflicts pain for sport, knowing it to be pain.”
Cesar Chavez
“Kindness and compassion toward all living things is the mark of a civilized society.”
Albert Schweitzer
“Hear our humble prayer, o God, for our friends the animals who are suffering; for any that are hunted or lost or deserted or frightened or hungry….We entreat for them all Thy mercy and pity, and for those who deal with them we ask a heart of compassion and gentle hands and kindly words. Make us, ourselves, to be true friends to animals and so to share the blessings of the merciful.”
Cardinal John Henry Newman
“Animals have done us no harm and they have no power of resistance.…There is something so very dreadful…in tormenting those who have never harmed us, who cannot defend themselves, who are utterly in our power.”
Albert Schweitzer
“Think occasionally of the suffering of which you spare yourself the sight.”
Proverbs 12:10
“A righteous man has regard for the life of his beast.”
Milan Kundera
“Only animals were not expelled from Paradise.”
Alfred A. Montapert
“Animals are reliable, many full of love, true in their affections, predictable in their actions, grateful and loyal. Difficult standards for people to live up to.”
Bern Williams
“There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face.”

Television:

We watch the Dog Whisperer!
Mom has gone Cesar Milan on me and I am a new doggie. I grew up in a Puppy Mill before I was rescued and spent most of my days in my chair. I was happy to be loved, and have a warm place to sleep with my Mom, and good food to eat, but I didn't really know what living was. My blank stares would make Mom sad, but she accepted me. When she tried to walk me, I would crouch down and cower, wanting so much to be back in the safety of the house. In the last few months though, Mom could tell I wanted more, she just didn't know how to give it to me. Cesar knew though :).
Mom says this season seems to have been made just for her. It started with Banjo the dog rescued from a Medical Lab. I was so much like him. Mom had the great "AH-HA", ummm the problem was her! She is a little over protective of me. That is when she asked my nephew to walk me. It took me half hour of practice in the backyard and then off we went, and there is no looking back! I love my walks. I come home happy, smiling, wagging my tail and acting like a real dog. I only get better after each walk. Mom walks me too, and with her I am the best dog in the whole neighborhood. I am friendly with all the neighbor people and dogs and it feels good to be admired!
Mom has wanted to get another dog for a long time because all the homeless doggies out there make her sad, but was always afraid that a new dog might drive me deeper into my shell. That was until Cesar explained on his show that dogs like me needed another dog to learn from. So Mom started searching Petfinder, and was willing to go to No. Calif., Arizona, or even Nevada to find the right friend for me. She saw Duke on Petfinder and he looked perfect. He as an owner surrender to a Rescue Group. His family had a baby and for a over a year he lived in a fenced in little "dog run" and slept in a crate in the garage at night. Mom figured he deserved a good home and made arrangements for her, me, and my nephew to meet Duke at a Petco Dog Adoption.
Mom was told Duke was good with kids, dogs and loved all people. Well... she was met at the door of Petco by a maniac wild animal being held back on a choke chain while he lunged and Beagle/Dingo howl barked at little dogs. He did stop long enough to wiggle up to her and smile and let her pet him. She was none to sure about this to say the least LOL. Again thanks to The Dog Whisperer, she noticed a nervous crying woman and found out this was Duke's owner, so she asked if Duke could be taken someplace quiet, away from the woman's energy. Seems the woman was crying because she knew Duke had a chance with a good home, and didn't want him to mess up. Mom later learned from Penny with Pet Stop Rescue that the woman's husband had told her if he wasn't gone that day he was taking Duke to the pound. Grrrrr I want to bite him where it hurts.
Once in a quiet area of the parking lot, Duke calmed down enough so that Mom's nephew James could walk me by. Duke perked up, but in a good way. I think he liked my cute wiggle butt walk. James thought it was OK to walk me by again, only this time to let us smell each other. Duke didn't seem to bright, so I turned around and gave him my butt to smell, then I took my own sniff and it was love at first. We are both fixed, but Mom still thinks I am a little hussy hehe. Then James took Duke on a walk and we both gave her those big pleading eyes and she made arrangements to have him brought to us on Tuesday. Yipppeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
When Duke first came to us, we took The Dog Whisperers advice again, and before Duke came in the house he first went on a long walk with James, then they came back and got me, and we both went on a walk together. I loved it! When we came back in the house I was so very happy and Duke layed down at Mom's feet like he was home and she said, "done deal", signed the papers and Duke was home with us. We walk every day, and on our second walk, I came busrting into the garage where Mom has her studio and ran around all happy like and sniffed everything and explored, and Mom cried. First time I every did anything like that. We are both balanced (well for the most part, but we are working on it), and happy doggies thanks to Cesar Milan. I am learning how to be a dog every day now and Duke is learning it is OK to be Duke. He is a really sweet playful guy :).
Duke just met Mr. Diggers, the big fluffy beautiful Australian Shepherd yesterday. We had them meet the Cesar Milan way, on leashes, sniffing each others butts, then off they went to play! They played all day and all night, and really love each other too. They are both so happy to have a playtime friend. I just watched, they are a bit too playful for me just yet. Mom says she will try and get better pictures of them flipping and flying.
For now, we just want to say THANK YOU CESAR MILAN. You may be The Dog Whisperer, but we know God talks through you :).

Books:

PLEASE DON'T BUY PUPPIES FROM PET STORES
It is hard to say no to a cute little puppy in a pet store, but I can. I know this is going to offend some folks, but well... the truth hurts sometimes. There is no whitewashing a Puppy Mill.
90% (closer to 99%) of puppies in pet stores come from Puppy Mills.
Puppy Mill Moms are bred to death. Literally. When they are no longer useful, they are shot, clubbed to death, or drowned in a millers "Drowning Tub". A few are lucky and are auctioned off. Even luckier ones are bought by rescue groups. You will NEVER see the mother at the pet store, she is living in the Hell called a Puppy Mill.
Don't know what a Puppy Mill is? Click here.
Puppies in pet stores are badly bred. Puppy Millers have no regard for breed standards, or bettering the breed, and they are often inbred. All they care about is profit. A reputable breeder will NEVER sell their litters to pet stores. A pet store buys from brokers. The brokers buy from puppy mills. If nothing else, you are way too smart to pay $500 to $1000 for a puppy that was bought at a mill for $20 by a broker. Brokers then sells the puppy to a pet store for $75. With a little research you can find a reputable breeder in your area who might sell you a non-show quality puppy. Only 2 or 3 of their litter may have what it takes to be a champion, the rest they want to go to good homes. AND they are cheaper than a pet store puppy. Pet stores will try and tell you they buy from local breeders, they lie. Just ask to see the paperwork, they won't show you.
The best thing you can do is look at your local animal shelter. They have puppies all the time. Check Petfinder.com, they have puppies all the time from local rescue groups. If you take home an older dog, you will have more love in your life than you can imagine.
Please Don't Shop, Adopt.
Puppies in pet stores are almost always in poor health. This is mainly due to the poor conditions in which they were born in to. Little nutrition, never handled by humans, and torn away from their mothers as young as 4 weeks old. Puppies are transported from puppy mills in the Midwest and Pennsylvania and shipped around the country in 18 wheel trailers (not set up for living creatures) often 4 to 6 puppies per crate, all stacked on top of each other, little or no food and water. Many don't survive the trip. UGH.
STOP THE CYCLE - BOYCOTT ALL PET STORES THAT SELL PUPPIES
Purchasing a puppy from a pet store will not be rescuing it, it will be creating more demand, and dooming thousands more to lives in Puppy Mill Hell. Just say NO. If the demand stops, so will Puppy Mills.
Boycott PETLAND and Pet Stores
That Sell Puppies and Kittens
Something like 5-10 million dogs are put to sleep every year. Puppy Mills churn out that many puppies per year. It is a losing battle, unless you can say "No", and encourage your friends to say "No" to pet store puppies. There are literally more dogs born each year than there are human homes. Puppy Mills are completely responsible for this. If not completely, 90% responsible. This has to stop. You can be a part of the cure.
Find Adoptable Puppies and Reputable Breeders
PLEASE HELP STOP THIS SHAMELESS INDUSTRY OF GREED
I have found in life that most folks are good and kind and being that way, their psyche can't fathom the horrors of a Puppy Mill. My friends can't believe places like that exist. Sadly they do. I have included some links to a few good sites to show how you can help.
Puppy Mill Rescue
Prisoners Of Greed
I added this drawing because this is what Chyna looked liked for the first two years with me. So very sad.
The Humane Society - Puppy Mill Truth

Heroes:

Jack Russell - You will be missed.
Australian Cattle Dog Rescue

TENDER HEARTS
(A Tribute to Volunteers)
By Dee Clair

I greet each day inside my cage
And wait for God to write my page
I wonder if you’ll come today?
And let me feel the light of day

My whole life has been dark with pain
And those who caused it--what did they gain?
They stole my trust, my livelihood
And all because they simply could

I yearn to run through scented fields
Without a cage and lock to yield
To chase a squirrel that can't be caught
To earn a love that can't be bought

But the darkest days have a light
In the quiet mornings that follow night
You come to visit every day
Without a motive, without a pay

You carried me when I was weak
Brought trust I was too pained to seek
You healed my wounds that took their toll
You rescued my slowly dying soul

And now I listen for your voice
Knowing that you're here by choice
You didn’t know me at the start
And yet I’m planted in your heart

I’m learning to accept your praise
And not avert my fearful gaze
Forgive me if I cower still
My life has been against my will

I feel that you are growing tired
Within this fight that you’ve been mired
If you can keep your doubts at bay
It would mean the world if you could stay

I can’t predict how this will end
But I know this of you, my friend
You selflessly all played your part
You saved me with your tender heart

"Anybody who clubs her cat to death is a dirty bitch and a criminal!" ~ Brigitte Bardot
Just Say NO To BSL (Breed Specific Legislation)
Please don't blame the Breed. It breaks my heart to see so many Pit Bulls in shelters with no hope.
Do I Go Home Today?
Author Unknown
My family brought me home cradled in their arms.
They cuddled me and smiled at me and said I was full of charm.
They played with me and laughed with me and showered me with toys.
I sure do love my family, especially the little girls and boys.
The children loved to feed me; they gave me special treats.
They even let me sleep with them - all snuggled in the sheets.
I used to go for walks, often several times a day.
They even fought to hold the leash, I'm very proud to say.
These are the things I'll not forget - a cherished memory.
I now live in the shelter - without my family.
They used to laugh and praise me when I played with that old shoe.
But I didn't know the difference between the old one and the new.
The kids and I would grab a rag, for hours we would tug.
So I thought I did the right thing when I chewed the bedroom rug.
They said that I was out of control and would have to live outside.
This I didn't understand, although I tried and tried.
The walks stopped, one by one; they said they hadn't time.
I wish that I could change things; I wish I knew my crime.
My life became so lonely in the backyard, on a chain.
I barked and barked all day long to keep from going insane.
So they brought me to the shelter but were embarrassed to say why.
They said I caused an allergy, and then they each kissed me goodbye.
If I'd only had some training as a little pup.
I wouldn't have been so hard to handle when I was all grown up.
"You only have one day left",
I heard the worker say.
Does that mean I have a second chance?
Do I go home today?
Animals Are a Lifetime Commitment
A man in Grand Rapids, Michigan took out a $7000 full page ad in the paper to present the following essay to the people of his community. It really touched my heart and I hope it will yours too.
How Could You? By Jim Willis 2001
When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child, and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I "was bad," you'd shake your finger at me and ask "How could you?" -- but then you'd relent, and roll me over for a belly rub.
My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed and listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect. We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs," you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day.
Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love. She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" -- still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy.
Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a "prisoner of love."
As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears, and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch -- because your touch was now so infrequent -- and I would have defended them with my life if need be. I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams, and together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway.
There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from being "your dog" to "just a dog," and you resented every expenditure on my behalf.
Now, you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your "family," but there was a time when I was your only family. I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness.
You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find a good home for her." They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog, even one with "papers."
You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he screamed "No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my dog!" And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life. You gave me a good-bye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too.
After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked "How could you?"
They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you that you had changed your mind -- that this was all a bad dream ... or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me. When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited.
I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day, and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room.
She placed me on the table and rubbed my ears, and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is my nature, I was more concerned about her.
The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her, and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood. She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured "How could you?"
Perhaps because she understood my dog speak, she said "I'm so sorry." She hugged me, and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself -- a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place. And with my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you?" was not directed at her.
It was you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of. I will think of you and wait for you forever.
May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.
The End....
A note from the author...
If "How Could You?" brought tears to your eyes as you read it, as it did to mine as I wrote it, it is because it is the composite story of the millions of formerly owned pets who die each year in American and Canadian animal shelters. Anyone is welcome to distribute the essay for a noncommercial purpose, as long as it is properly attributed with the copyright notice. Please use it to help educate, on websites, in newsletters, on animal shelter and vet office bulletin boards. Tell the public that the decision to add a pet to the family is an important one for life, that animals deserve our love and sensible care, that finding another appropriate home for your animal is your responsibility and any local humane society or animal welfare league can offer you good advice, and that all life is precious.
Please do your part to stop the killing, and encourage all spay & neuter campaigns in order to prevent unwanted animals.